Colourful photographs that pay homage to London's much-loved but fading launderettes

Some are in a glorious time warp with pastel coloured machines lining the walls and signs with helpful instructions displaying retro typography that hints at the 1950s and '60s. Others have seen better days but still retain their welcoming feel.

For photographer Joshua Blackburn, they're a London treasure. So much so, he's paid a colourful homage to these much-loved but fading launderettes with a new photo series. He claims to have visited every remaining launderette in London – a total of 462, documenting them before they disappear forever.

Now available in a new book, Launderama, the description reads: "As high streets grow ever more homogenous, these are one of the few businesses that retain their striking individuality. But they’re an endangered species: many close every year in the UK... Launderama captures the colourful design and community spirit of the humble launderette."

"I was drawn like a moth to the flood of neon spilling onto the street at night and stood in the road, taking pictures. It wasn’t long before I began disappearing at strange times to visit local laundromats," says Blackburn, of the series.

Launderama by Joshua Blackburn is published by Hoxton Mini Press. An exhibition of Joshua's photographs takes place from 1 November at WWW Gallery, 81 Salusbury Road, Queen’s Park, London NW6 6NH. Follow Joshua on Instagram to stay updated.